At a meeting of Sutton Council's planning committee on 3 December 2025, councillors considered a range of planning applications, including proposed amendments to the Elm Grove Estate development, a reserved matters application for the same site, a change of use for a property on Surrey Grove, and a change of use for a former pub on Woodcote Road. Councillors approved the Elm Grove Estate amendments and the reserved matters application, and also approved the erection of a new industrial building on Restmor Way. Councillors refused the change of use application for Surrey Grove.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Planning Committee, welcomed attendees and noted that the meeting was being live-streamed.

Elm Grove Estate Amendments

The committee reviewed an application, DM2025/00952, to vary several conditions related to the outline planning permission for the Elm Grove Estate redevelopment, including changes to approved plans, residential units, building heights, public realm spaces, the design code, and construction logistics. The Deputy Planning Manager presented the officer's report, clarifying that the Sound Lounge would remain in its current location. The number of homes was one less than previously agreed, but the main change was the configuration of the blocks.

Phil Murphy, the applicant, addressed the committee, explaining that the properties would be dual aspect, secure by design, and include access to open space and cycle storage. He added that there had been consultation with residents, the local community and other stakeholders, and no objections were now being raised.

Councillors approved the application, finding that the proposal would provide much-needed affordable homes and that residents supported the scheme.

The committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to referral to the Mayor of London, the conditions outlined in the report, and the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 agreement¹ with Sutton Council as landowner and local planning authority.

Elm Grove Estate Reserved Matters

Following the approval of the amendments, the committee considered a related reserved matters application, DM2025/01068, concerning the access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale of the Elm Grove Estate redevelopment.

Councillors approved the application, finding that the scheme would establish a strong sense of place, create new pedestrian routes, and upgrade the public realm.

The committee voted to approve the application, subject to the conditions outlined in the report and to planning permission being granted for the aforementioned application DM2025/00952.

Surrey Grove

The committee then considered an application, DM2025/00746, for a change of use from residential (Class C3) to a small house in multiple occupation (HMO) (Class C4) at 15 Surrey Grove. The proposal included the erection of a single-storey rear extension and alterations to the front fenestration.

A planning officer presented the report, noting that the application had received 46 objections and that the applicant had sought pre-application advice, which was not binding.

Huw Chandler, a local resident, addressed the committee, raising concerns about parking pressure, anti-social behaviour, and the loss of a family home. The applicant responded, stating that the property would house four single occupants, potentially elderly tenants, and that he would be available to address any issues that may arise.

In debate, councillors noted the high number of objections, the potential for noise and disturbance, and the loss of a family home in a suburban area.

The committee voted to refuse the application, citing the loss of a family dwelling, the potential for noise and disturbance, and the increase in on-street parking.

Sutton Business Park, Restmor Way

The committee then considered an application, DM2024/01755, for the erection of a two-storey detached building comprising six self-contained mixed-use industrial units at Sutton Business Park, Restmor Way.

A Senior Planning Officer presented the report, and the applicant explained that the property's use would be light industrial and that building materials would help mitigate noise.

In debate, members discussed the site's proximity to residential properties and the River Wandle, but noted that consultees had not raised any objections.

The committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure carbon offsetting, biodiversity monitoring, and air quality mitigation.

Woodcote Road, Wallington

Finally, the committee considered an application, DM2023/01628, for a change of use from a drinking establishment (Sui Generis) to a flexible commercial and business use (Class E) or drinking establishment at 6 Woodcote Road, Wallington.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, acting as ward councillor, addressed the committee, objecting to the loss of the pub and questioning the adequacy of the marketing efforts. A local resident also spoke against the application, while a supporter highlighted the number of empty properties in Wallington High Street.

In debate, members discussed the fact that the property had been empty for five years and that the proposal would allow it to be used as a pub in the future.

The committee voted to grant planning permission, finding that the applicant had demonstrated a lack of interest in the property as a pub and that the flexible use would help to revitalise the district centre. Councillor Richard Clifton, Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee, took the chair for this item.